Public safety the priority as taxis inspected at East Midlands Airport

A joint initiative designed to improve the safety standards of taxis and licensed vehicles has seen 138 inspections take place at East Midlands Airport.

North West Leicestershire District Council’s (NWLDC) Licensing team, Leicestershire Police and the Driving and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) organised the spot checks, with the vast majority of drivers passing with flying covers.

It also highlighted issues with a number of licensed vehicles that did not reach the required standards.

Four prohibitions were issued to taxi drivers for failing to have tyres that meet safety requirements.

Two drivers were reported for not having road tax, and another was given a fixed penalty notice for having a tyre tread below the legal limit.

Others were also warned about more minor defects such as broken bulbs.

A total of 120 vehicles inspected identified no defects whatsoever.

During the initiative, a vehicle which was not a taxi, was flagged up on Automatic Number Plate Recognition technology.

This vehicle was found to be being driven with the following no road tax, no insurance, no MOT, and various defects including tyres tread that were below legal limits. The driver also did not have a DVLA licence. The car was seized and the driver was reported for the offences disclosed.

Councillor Alison Smith MBE, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Community Services at North West Leicestershire District Council, said: “This initiative highlights that the majority of taxi drivers in the district take care of their vehicles and ensure they meet high standards when it comes to safety.

“However, there are exceptions to this and it is very important to us and our partners that we identify those that don’t comply with the law and licensing requirements.

“Public safety is our absolute priority and we hope this operation has helped spread this message among drivers of licensed vehicles.”

Inspector Ivan Odell from Leicestershire Police said: “Once again this was a highly successful operation and demonstrates the value of partner agencies working collaboratively and effectively to improve the safety of the travelling public.

“The vast majority of taxis and licensed vehicles were being operated safely and legally but this operation will be repeated and should serve as warning to those who choose continue to operate outside the law.

Bill Harrison, DVSA Enforcement Delivery Manager said: “DVSA’s first priority is to protect you from unsafe drivers and vehicles.

“Our frontline staff worked alongside their police and local authority colleagues, and used their powers to take some of these dangerous vehicles and drivers off of the road.

“The vast majority of taxis checked were safe, with properly licensed drivers, which was pleasing to see.”